Disneyland menu icon ID's healthier children's items

ANAHEIM – Parents now can easily see when they are ordering healthier fast food for their children at Disney parks.

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure have added a symbol next to children's menu items that meet certain nutritional guidelines at quick-service restaurants. Table-service restaurants at the Anaheim parks will start using the symbol, called Mickey Check, this month.

The Mickey Check symbol is the latest in an effort, called Magic of Healthy Living, that began in 2006. While the food hasn't changed, Disney is making it easier for parents to spot the healthier options.

"The Mickey Check icon is the latest step in our efforts to make nutritious eating simple and more fun," said Janice Sindoni, a Disneyland Resort spokesman.

For full meals, the guidelines include a maximum of 600 calories and limits on sugar and saturated fat. Meals automatically come with water-based beverages, low-fat milk or 100 percent juice.

Visitors can request substitutes, such as soda and fries.

Some examples of healthier meals: a chicken quesadilla with rice and a fruit cup at Cocina Cucamonga in Disney California Adventure; and penne pasta with marinara sauce along with apples and carrots at Plaza Inn at Disneyland. The meals are $6.99.

Jason Cram and his wife bring their two boys, ages 6 and 8, to Disney parks weekly and are aware of the nutritious options.

"My wife and I are of the opinion that Disneyland makes a strong effort to provide healthy options for kids and even (for) adult meals," Cram said in an email. "The Mickey Check is something we have heard about and noticed, but we have not used it as a method for meal planning."